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Harley-Davidson names Matthew S. Levatich as new CEO

Harley-Davidson has made announcement that it has named Matthew S. Levatich as President and Chief Operating Officer of Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Levatich will succeed Keith Wandell, who is going to retire on May 1, 2015.

Levatich has also been selected through Board action, to the Harley-Davidson Board of Directors. Back in May 1, 2009, Wandell took position of President and CEO of the company and selected as Board Chairman in February 2012.

During Wandell's tenure, groundbreaking motorcycles have been launched by the company. The company also made significant gains in order to reach new customers by growing international markets and sales to outreach segments in the United States.

Back in 1994, Levatich joined the company. Levatich held wide-ranging roles in the United States and Europe before becoming President and COO of Harley-Davidson Motor Company in 2009. He has performed many leadership roles in past. His roles involve, Vice President and General Manager of the Company's Parts and Accessories business, Managing Director of Harley-Davidson's former MV Agusta business.

Since 2012, Levatich served on the board of directors of Emerson, a St. Louis-based global manufacturing and technology company. According to Levatich, it's a big honor for him to get the position of next CEO of the company. Levatich said that they believe that there are great chances in future to build on strengths.

"Harley-Davidson is one of the world's most-powerful and revered brands, and through our strategies to provide unrivaled products and experiences for our customers, we aim to extend our reach and work to realize our full potential as a growing global company", said Levatich.

Levatich and John Olin, Harley-Davidson Chief Financial Officer are going to have discussion about the leadership transition in a video. This video is going to be posted to the Investor Relations section of the Company's website on February 5, 2015.